CCE of Albany County Lead Finance Manager – Voorheesville, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Finance Manager provides regional financial leadership and support to eight Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Associations in the Capital Region through hands-on accounting support, financial and accounting guidance training, and payroll functions. This role strengthens budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, grant management, and audit and year-end processes. The position also provides interim finance support during vacancies and other staffing transitions. The Lead Finance Manager also provides direct financial management services for one assigned CCE Association. Success in this role requires clear, approachable communication with executive directors, staff, and board members, many of whom have limited financial and accounting expertise, and a "no job too big or too small" mindset. The Lead Finance Manager must be comfortable performing routine accounting functions, providing training and presentations, and problem-solving complex financial challenges. The Lead Finance Manager collaborates closely with Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration and other statewide Finance Leads to maintain shared financial software applications, policies, procedures, and consistent financial practices. This position works as part of a regional Shared Business Network (SBN) team, which also includes an IT Lead and an HR Lead.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field.
An associate’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field plus two years related experience may substitute for a Bachelor’s degree.
A minimum of 5 years’ experience relevant to the role of the position.
Strong knowledge of accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, etc.) and skills (budgets, audits, etc.).
Proficient in financial software (e.g., ERP systems - Acumatica, QuickBooks, Excel, etc.) and MS Office Suite.
Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to train others, present financial information to executive directors and board members, and work effectively in decentralized, sometimes ambiguous environments while upholding required standards and consistency.
Ability to meet regular travel requirements associated with this position.
A valid NYS driver's license and ability to drive and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage are required.
Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.

Nice To Haves

Financial management experience in a government, non-profit, or public sector setting.
Experience with accrual basis of accounting.
Experience with managing and preparing for audits.
Experience managing budgets with diverse income streams.
Experience with Acumatica.

Responsibilities

Provide regional financial leadership and support to eight Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Associations.
Strengthen budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, grant management, and audit and year-end processes.
Provide interim finance support during vacancies and other staffing transitions.
Provide direct financial management services for one assigned CCE Association.
Collaborate with Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration and other statewide Finance Leads to maintain shared financial software applications, policies, procedures, and consistent financial practices.
Work as part of a regional Shared Business Network (SBN) team.
Provide education, guidance and support on all finance and accounting functions (budgeting, forecasting, reporting, internal controls, grants, compliance, efficiencies, and audit/year‑end processes, etc.).
Help ensure compliance with regulations and CCE requirements (e.g. GAAP regulations and CCE accounting procedures).
Monitor trends, identify issues, and communicate issues to executive directors and local finance staff to provide support in resolving issues.
Answer questions and help people understand budget and financial processes.
Provide regional leadership in the support of finance systems; help ensure accuracy and compliance with financial systems.
Serve as an advisor to the executive director, answer questions, present financial statements at board and committee meetings.
Plan, manage, and oversee budgets, accounting functions, and grant and contract financials.
Help ensure appropriate oversight of financial records at all times.
Provide training (one-on-one and in group settings) on finance topics and financial systems.
Perform regional payroll entries and payroll costing allocations to ensure accurate processing.
Directly perform accounting functions for one CCE Association including, but not limited to: accounts payable/receivable functions, staff reimbursements, fixed assets, reconcile bank statements, journal entries, cost allocations, prepare accurate, timely reports and financial statements (e.g. monthly closing, board reports, grant and contract reports, etc.), ensure timely processing and payment of all invoices for payout, monitor funding streams and appropriations received through Cornell University.
Serve as a regional finance staff floater to maintain operations during vacancies and other staffing transitions.
Attend regional and statewide calls, meetings, trainings, and conferences.
Perform other administrative and accounting functions as assigned.
Complete and submit all required data, reports, records, and documentation on time.
Jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan.
Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.
Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
Be aware of, and adhere to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Albany County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.